The sport of golf is surprisingly precise and although it seems like anyone can play it successfully, it is harder than it looks. Despite this, millions pick up their clubs every day to either head to the driving range or put in a quick 18 holes as a way to relax, negotiate a business deal, or compete in local contests, tournaments, or fundraisers.
In the US alone, there are 29 million people who have played at least one 18 hole round within the last year.
What You Should Know About Golfers?
Maybe it isn’t that surprising to see that a majority of golfers are above the age of 50. There are, in fact, more golfers above the age of 70 then there are under the age of 30. Just 5% of the total golfing population is under the age of 30. Some of that is due to work responsibilities, of course, because it is easier to go golfing when you’re retired. The cost of golfing also seems to play a critical role.
What Are The Economics of Golf?
- The average household income for someone who golfs at least once per year is $95,000.
- 8 out of every 10 golfers have a minimum net worth that is over $100k.
- 83% of golfers own securities in some form.
- 86% of those who golf at least one round per year have life insurance.
- Two thirds of golfers already own at least one home.
- 98% of golfers have at least one credit or debit card that they use on a regular basis.
It is true that anyone can choose to take up golfing, but not everyone can afford to go golfing on a regular basis. With some clubs charging over $1,000 in greens fees per round, that’s a lot of money that could go toward groceries for the average household. Part of the reason for the high cost of golf, however, isn’t because of maintenance, but because of discrimination. There is a need to keep the “riff-raff” off of the course. The average club doesn’t want the Caddyshack experience happening on their course. They want prim, proper golfers who aren’t afraid to spend a lot of money in order to have a good time.
Just Who Really Goes Golfing?
- 3 out of every 4 golfers are men and 68% of golfers are currently married.
- Two thirds of golfers have at least attended college at some point in their lives.
- Surprisingly enough, half of all golfers work in blue collar jobs.
- 9 out of 10 golfers use the internet on a regular basis for either work or leisure activities.
- More than half of all golfers plan to purchase new golf equipment within the next 12 months, whether that is clubs or accessories, such as clothing.
- Almost half of all golfers also plan to purchase a new automobile within the next year as well.
- 56% of golfers spent more than $30k on the last vehicle that they purchased.
Golfing seems to be that sport which those who have settled down and are confident in their place in life can enjoy the most. There is a higher amount of wealth per capita in the golfing population, but that doesn’t always equate to opportunity. Only 40% of golfers plan to invest in some sort of financial planning in the next year, which indicates many golfers might just be living paycheck to paycheck, just like many others who don’t golf are as well. They just have more disposable income that they’re not saving to spend and they’re spending it at the golf course as a way to forget about some of their problems for a while and to have a good time.
What Is Inside The Mind Of The Golfer?
- The average golfer’s handicap is just above 15.
- The average length of a drive for a tour pro is 291 yards, but is just 235 yards for the average player who puts in at least one 18 hole round every year.
- Although golf is seen as a drinking sport, two-thirds of golfers don’t consume any alcoholic beverages while out on the course.
- The other third of players who do have at least one drink believe that they play better when they’ve had a drink or two.
- 55% of golfers today believe that they have been able to save at least 3 strokes off of their game thanks to modern equipment.
- The average amount of money that is spent on golf per year for the average golfer is above $2,700.
- 3 out of 4 golfers in a recent survey stated that they would miss their child’s birthday or their wedding anniversary if it meant that they would be able to play at Augusta National.
Although a sport is often a competition, even if it is just a friendly one, that doesn’t always translate in this sport. Many people are often just competing with themselves more than anything else. Two-thirds of golfers say that they have the best time on the course when they’re striking the ball well, no matter what their score happens to be. Another 15% of golfers say that they’re happiest on the course when they are close to being able to shoot a career low score. Maybe that’s why 4 out of 10 golfers admit to not counting at least one stroke during a round and two-thirds of players admit to improving the lie of their ball.
Who Is The Average Golfer?
- In the US and Canada, the average golfer is a 53 year old male who works in either a professional or managerial position.
- 26% of golfers own their own business, while another 30% are in a top management position.
- 18% of golfers own a second home and have taken more than two weeks of vacation in the last year.
- 64% of golfers in the US have taken a vacation outside of the country within the last 3 years.
- 38% of golfers are also interested in purchasing some form of a luxury property.
Is golf for you? It could be, even if you don’t fit into these average demographics. The point of golf is to have a good time on a playing field that is as equal as possible. That’s why the handicap system is in place and why a score of 4 will be the same whether you make $10k or $100k. Are there advantages to being wealthy so that you can play on better courses? Sure there is. Golf is also the great equalizer and that should never be forgotten.
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